soapberry
Sapindus · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Soapberry, scientifically known as Sapindu, is a versatile medicinal plant celebrated for its unique saponin content. Often utilized in traditional healing, its berries and bark possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This resilient species serves as a natural cleanser and a valuable resource in holistic pharmacology and herbal medicine.
- Family
- Sapindaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Soapberry
- Scientific synonyms
- Dittelasma · Didymococcus
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- soapberry
Scientific Names
Accepted name
SapindusSynonyms
- Dittelasma
- Didymococcus
Regional and Traditional Names
German:
- Waschnussbaum
French:
- Arbre à savon
- Sapindus delavayi
- Sapindus tomentosus
- Sapindus drummondii
- Noix de lavage indiennes
- Sapindus saponaria
- Sapindus rarak
- Sapindus emarginatus
- Sapindus marginatus
- Sapindus oahuensis
- Sapindus trifoliatus
- Arbre à savon
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Sapindales and the family Sapindaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Sapindus.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Sapindaceae |
| Genus | Sapindus |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution across several key regions in Africa. In Northern Africa, its presence can be specifically noted in Tunisia. The species also extends to the Macaronesian region, with occurrences recorded in Cape Verde. Moving into West Tropical Africa, it is found in Guinea-Bissau and Guinea. Additionally, the plant is distributed within the West Tropical African nation of Mali.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Tunisia |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Cameroon |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | Gulf of Guinea Is. |
| West-Central Tropical Africa | DR Congo |
| Northeast Tropical Africa | Chad |
| East Tropical Africa | Kenya |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Chemicals
Sapindus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Saponins.
| Chemical | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Saponins | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Saponins
- Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials